Steering Angle Sensor: Service and Repair
RemovalWARNING: Always wear safety glasses when repairing an air bag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) vehicle and when handling an air bag module. This will reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accidental deployment.
WARNING: Carry a live air bag module with the air bag and trim cover pointed away from your body. This will reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accidental deployment.
WARNING: Do not set a live air bag module down with the trim cover facing down. This will reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accidental deployment.
WARNING: After deployment, the air bag surface may contain deposits of sodium hydroxide, a product of the gas generate combustion that is irritating to the skin. Wash your hands with soap and water afterwards.
WARNING: Never probe the connectors on an air bag module. Doing so can result in air bag deployment, which can result in personal injury.
WARNING: Air bag modules with discolored or damaged trim covers must be replaced, not repainted.
WARNING: Vehicle sensor orientation is critical for proper system operation. If a vehicle equipped with an air bag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) is involved in a collision, inspect the sensor mounting bracket and wiring pigtail for deformation. Replace and properly position the sensor or any other damaged Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) components whether or not the air bag is deployed.
WARNING: To avoid accidental deployment and possible personal injury, the backup power supply must be depleted before repairing or replacing any front or side air bag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) components and before servicing, replacing, adjusting or striking components near the front or side air bag sensors, such as doors, instrument panel, console, door latches, strikers, seats and hood latches.
The side air bag sensors are located at or near the base of the B-pillar.
To deplete the backup power supply energy, disconnect the battery ground cable and wait at least one minute. Be sure to disconnect auxiliary batteries and power supplier (if equipped).
1. Center the steering wheel with the front wheels in the straight-ahead position.
2. Disconnect the battery ground cable.
3. Remove the driver air bag module.
4. Remove the screws and pull the lower steering column opening finish panel out far enough to access the electrical connectors.
5. Disconnect the electrical connectors and remove the finish panel.
6. Remove the screws and disconnect the hood release assembly.
7. Remove the screw and the heater duct.
8. Pull the carpet away from the console tunnel and loosen the bolts.
9. Remove four screws and the steering column opening reinforcement.
10. Disconnect the steering wheel rotation sensor and the electric tilt/telescoping motor electrical connectors.
11. Disconnect the electrical connectors.
12. CAUTION: The lower end of the steering column shaft must be wired in such a way that the steering column does not rotate, resulting in damage to the air bag sliding contact.
Using wire, secure the steering column shaft and the steering column to prevent damage to the air bag sliding contact.
13. Remove and discard the steering column shaft pinch bolt. Disconnect the shaft.
14. While supporting the steering column, remove the lock nuts and the steering column. Discard the nuts.
15. Remove the screws. Detach the electrical connector from the steering column and remove the sensor.
Installation
WARNING: Always wear safety glasses when repairing an air bag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) vehicle and when handling an air bag module. This will reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accidental deployment.
WARNING: Carry a live air bag module with the air bag trim cover pointed away from your body. This will reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accidental deployment.
WARNING: Never probe the connectors on the air bag module. Doing so can result in air bag deployment, which can result in personal injury.
1. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
- Use new lock nuts and a new pinch bolt.